Jesse Jackson and Crocodile Tears?

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No one questions Jesse Jacksons commitment to civil rights. He marched alongside Dr.King and has dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of blacks. Until recently he was held with the highest of regard by many in the black community.

I believe it is fair to say that he tarnished his beautiful legacy by his commentary on Barack Obama. Who could forget the open mike incident where he announced that Barack was, “talking down to black people” and expressed a desire to “cut his nuts off“. This commentary was so offensive that even his own son had to publicly disassociate himself from his father.

One would believe that after publicly embarrassing yourself like that, Jesse would want to maintain a low profile until at least after the election, but of course that was not the case.

Jackson first made his Anti-Semitism known by declaring New York City “Hymietown” in 1984. Proving that time, in this case twenty-four years, does not necessarily change a man, The New York Post reported that Jackson announced at a World Policy Forum “Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades” remain strong, they’ll lose a great deal of their clout when Barack Obama enters the White House. There are indeed issues with American foreign policy as it relates to Israel; but calling it a Zionist nation when you have a history of Anti-Semitic slurs, could hardly be referred to as helping Obama get elected.

Well this brings me to the question I wrote this post to ask. Across the blogosphere people are discussing Jackson’s response to the election of Barack Obama. Many have said that Jackson is a man that purposefully tried to sabotage Baracks election out of jealousy, and a desperate bid to retain his relevancy. They posit that Jackson’s tear streamed face was nothing more than an emotional play.

There are also those that believe that as a man that has seen some of the worst of racism in America, Jacksons tears were an expression of joy and happiness.

So my question to you today readers is, given what we know about Jackson’s behaviour, was his response a heartfelt expression of emotion? I am very curious to read your answers as the “unhubby” and I are in disagreement on this issue. Play referee for us.